The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot of an A-20 Light Bomber in the 47th Bombardment Group (Light), TWELFTH Air Force, in action against an armed enemy in the North African Theater of Operations. On 22 February 1943, Major Clizbe volunteered to lead a flight of two unescorted A-20’s on a low-level attack against a concentration of enemy tanks and vehicles on the Thela Road. As he crossed the enemy lines his aircraft was badly damaged and one engine completely shot out by anti-aircraft fire. Displaying gallantry over and above the call of duty, he continued on through rain squalls and restricted visibility over mountainous territory until he located his target. In the face of intense ground fire, he then bombed and strafed the convoy from an altitude of fifty feet, throwing the column into confusion and causing great destruction to enemy vehicles and personnel. His outstanding valor and devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot of an A-20 Light Bomber in the 47th Bombardment Group (Light), TWELFTH Air Force, in action against an armed enemy in North Africa. On 30 January 1943, Major Clizbe’s Squadron was assigned the task of attacking, at minimum altitude, a group of enemy armored forces just east of Faid Pass. These forces were deployed in two separate groups approximately a mile apart, one being Northeast and the other Southeast of the pass. In spite of heavy enemy anti-aircraft and small arms fire, Major Clizbe led his flight over the pass at minimum altitude attacking the Southern most concentration with machine gun and demolition bombs and then turned North and delivered a vicious attack against the Northern grouping of armored vehicles, diving squarely in the face of their anti-aircraft and small arms fire to drop his bombs and strafe the enemy. Because of his resolution and daring and the skill with which he led these attacks, Major Clizbe and his flight severely damaged and/or destroyed many enemy armored vehicles, and killed and/or injured many enemy personnel. By his courage in service of an especially hazardous nature, Major Clizbe has served the Armed Forces of his country gallantly and well, and has exemplified the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces.